Tag Archives: talento bilingue

I saw Lalo at his last stop in Houston–at HCC Downtown–in September. The thing about listening to a lecture and slideshow from a editorial cartoonist is that the material is always fresh. Last night, Lalo Alcaraz dedicated his presentation at Talento Bilingue de Houston to the four cartoonists who were murdered in Paris. The drawing below was already featured on the BBC last night– hours after he drew it while flying into Houston.

Of the violent day in Paris, Alcaraz stated that he’s gotten used to receiving death threats and racist hate mail from folks in this country incensed by his works, but he’s still thankful to be in the US.

The presentation itself took us through some other current events, including Ayotzinapa, Mexico; Lalo’s latest work on Bordertown, which will be part of Fox’s Fall Line-up; and news that he is working on developing a series that mirrors his childhood. On top of that, a slide-show featuring some of his work from his strip, LA Cucaracha and some of his more popular editorial cartoons. Lalo takes his presentation to Austin on Thursday, January 8, next.

Beyond his presentation, Lalo enjoys meeting with fans, especially young fans. Among his more popular works is one that hangs on the wall of Associate Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, which features his daughter playing “judge” with her stuffed animals, while looking up to the newest justice.

That was definitely a popular print last night. And the Berkeley grad (Lalo) is definitely a role model for young kids as several came with their parents and posed with the cartoonist. Added to the usual advice given to young folks was something equally important: Always sign your name to anything you draw.

Big kudos to the folks at Talento Bilingue de Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance for bringing Lalo to Houston for another visit.

Editor’s note: This is something from the inbox which you should put on your calendar, as well as on your list of events to sponsor in 2014. It’s for a great cause and features some great entertainers. Contact my friend Valentina Estrada (contact info at bottom of post) for sponsorship opportunities.

You are cordially invited to be part of a “Musical Extravaganza” at The TBH Cultural Arts Center, 333 S. Jensen Drive, Houston, Texas 77003 on Sunday, October 26, 2014 from 7 pm To 10 pm in support of battered and abused individuals.

The Musical Extravaganza is being organized by Latina-American Women In Music (“L.A.W.I.M.”) sponsored by companies and concerned individuals that desire to see a change.

“L.A.W.I.M.” plans to include several Latina musicians & entertainers to be our guests for the Musical Extravaganza. Each of the Latina artists and entertainers bring a unique style of music! In addition, we will have influential keynote speakers: Richard Yniguez, Actor and Johnny Hernandez, Music Legend and Tejano Pioneer who will share their experience and views on Domestic Violence. (UPDATE: Unfortunately, Johnny Hernandez will not be able to attend because of a previous engagement.)

In addition, many community leaders, organizations and entertainment icons will be at this tremendous event to seal their commitment to support “L.A.W.I.M.” and offer their extraordinary talent and resources to this cause. Their enthusiasm and influential participation in the Latino community has inspired many to achieve higher goals and we are honored that they have committed and pledged their time to participate!

This Musical Extravaganza is expected to be a sell-out and be of great magnitude and become an historic event in Houston. In joining us in this charitable aim your affiliation and presence includes you as a part of making a difference and change in our world.

Proceeds from this event will be committed and used for the specific purpose of helping a Women’s Shelter to reach out and help battered and abused women in our community where the help is much needed and be of support of future events for various causes. “L.A.W.I.M.” has committed to continue the fight for human rights!

Your sponsorship and participation with this human rights event will have a real effect on lives in our communities. Please join us on this evening of great purpose; it will have a lasting impact!

Recently, I wrote a post about Talento Bilingue de Houston (I even have a direct link to their fundraising site on the right side of the blog). Well, I mentioned their hard-working leader Javier Perez. Javier was recently hit by a car in downtown Houston, leaving him with various injuries, and along with that, some mounting hospital bills. Javier is recovering and will need added fixing up, so, his friends put on a fundraiser yesterday at Stephanie’s Ice House in the East End.

In fact, District I candidate Ben Mendez got all the friends, many from the National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO), together to organize a BBQ plate sale (food by Mad Cow Cookers), which included live and DJ music, games for the kids, a raffle of some pretty cool stuff, and just some good ol’ camaraderie.

Much of the excitement came from the dunking booth where folks were lining up to dunk both Mendez and fellow District I candidate Robert Gallegos. And all of this was for a great cause–to give a little bit of help to a great family who have always been there for the community, Javier & Pat Perez and the kids.

District I Battle: Does This Count As The First Debate?

I must give a shout-out to a band that is fast-becoming my favorite, Grupo Alianza. And not just because they gave me and DosCentavos a few shout-outs during their set. They put on a good show of original and cover material, and even caused this blogger to hit the dance floor for a polkita alegre (the bad knee is fine, thanks). If you need a band for your political fundraiser, quince, wedding, or whatever, give them a call at (832) 338-7981 or find them at Myspace.com/elgrupoalianza.

El Grupo Alianza Even Put DosCentavos on the Dance Floor!

Mention should also go to DJ Robert Blanco, Tony and The Silverbacks, Conjunto Fuego, Fonseca Entertainment, and anyone else who took the stage after I departed.

I know Javier and Pat are very appreciative of the help and support the community has provided them. I know I wish I could have done more, except that my Mom was going through her own surgery and rehab during this time, too. I was proud to be out there yesterday, and looking at all the volunteers, there’s no doubt that this family is very much loved and appreciated.

I’m not sure if there is a link where the community can continue to contribute to this cause, but I’ll find out.

TBH is a jewel in the East End (just outside of Downtown on Jensen) that has provided all of Houston a dose of the arts and culture, as well as creative space for over 26 years. Built to be “the” Latino cultural arts center for the Houston area, the facility itself is top-notch and one of the focal points in Houston’s arts community. Plus, the director of operations, Javier Perez, is a cool dude.